MIGHT AS WELL BE OP Chapter 1110: Hunt Aaaninja
Previously on MIGHT AS WELL BE OP...
As Anthony remained in his chamber, consumed by concern for Lucian, Aura Nova, and Kingsley, a subtle shift in his senses drew his attention upward. His gaze locked onto Beru, Igris, Bellion, and George descending from the heavens, with Rider, Bryan, Tiara, and Bringer following closely behind them.
’It appears Beru has finished toying with his prey,’ Anthony mused internally.
In a flash, they materialized before Anthony. Though he had suppressed his aura to bypass the Null Estate's security personnel, his shadow soldiers could invariably pinpoint his location through their intrinsic shadow link. It went without saying that they, too, had cloaked themselves in stealth.
"You have all returned," Anthony stated, reclining and observing them with a placid smile.
Bryan and the others offered no reply, still seemingly lost in the marvel of their recent exploits.
Anthony's gaze shifted from his companions, fixing upon Beru and his cohort as he inquired, "It seems you all found some enjoyment."
"Indeed, my liege. While the adversaries were not particularly formidable, it was a welcome opportunity to exert ourselves," Beru responded first. Having engaged in combat for a period, he had consumed his Vampire foe whole, relishing both the struggle and the hunt with equal fervor.
Igris, a being of few words, added on this occasion, "My proficiency with the sword far eclipses that with daggers. This engagement provided valuable insights," he explained, not to diminish his opponents but to highlight his own learning. He embodied the true spirit of a Knight, dedicated not only to strength but also to discipline and continuous improvement.
Anthony's attention then turned to Bellion, anticipating his report. Bellion emitted a sigh before stating, "I have no particular remarks, save for my singular desire to confront the Angels," his words delivered with a certain flatness, yet underscored by an undeniable eagerness.
George, by contrast, merely offered a nod. He appeared even more taciturn than Igris, his silence profound yet not devoid of meaning.
"Very well, I suppose you all managed to get in some combat," Anthony remarked, shaking his head slightly despite their varied sentiments.
"My liege, could you not accelerate the passage of time across the entire Galaxy and hasten the confrontation with the Angels? Lingering within the shadow realm grows tiresome," Beru proposed, already divining that Anthony intended to dispatch them back to the shadow realm now that their mission was complete, his impatience barely contained.
"And why should this task not fall to you, Beru?" Anthony proposed, his gaze fixed upon his subordinate.
"But I lack the capacity to manipulate time in any meaningful capacity, my liege," Beru stated, meeting Anthony's gaze with a sincerity that underscored his limitations.
"Surely you are aware of Aaaninja; why not seek him out and claim his temporal affinity for yourself? Alternatively, there is Aura Nova; her Omniedit grants her dominion over time manipulation as well," Anthony offered further suggestions, his tone calm but subtly provocative.
Beru fell silent, refraining from further comment. Though he typically disdained his adversaries and exhibited considerable arrogance, he was not a fool blinded by pride; he understood the harsh realities. Deep down, he recognized that either of those individuals could obliterate him with a mere gesture should he attempt any rash actions. While immortal and capable of ceaseless regeneration through his liege's inexhaustible mana, even such resilience had its breaking point against overwhelming power.
"I believe I shall return to the shadow realm for the present, my liege," Beru declared in a subdued tone, both physically and mentally withdrawing.
"Simply train and strive to surpass them. I am convinced your potential exceeds that of those two," Anthony responded. A faint, amused smile played on his lips as he regarded Beru, his words a blend of encouragement and perhaps something more enigmatic.
Beru's eyes welled up as he exclaimed, "Thank you for your faith in me, my liege!!!" His voice resonated with a torrent of emotion before he vanished into the shadow realm, driven by an intense desire to train and meet his liege's expectations, his resolve fueled by both devotion and a carefully crafted illusion.
Bellion, Igris, and George observed the departing Beru as if he were a simpleton. They were acutely aware that Anthony had subtly deceived him, but Beru's eagerness to believe and unquestioning acceptance of Anthony's words had rendered him susceptible. Would they reveal the truth? Absolutely not. Allowing him to pursue an impossible dream through futile training would serve only as their amusement.
Anthony's gaze shifted to Igris and the others. With a collective bow, they dissolved into the shadow realm, their purpose here fulfilled. Without a word, they retreated, each silently anticipating the impending Angel Invasion, their eagerness suppressed but palpable.
Little did the Divinora Galaxy comprehend that certain inhabitants of the Acarnis Galaxy awaited this invasion with an even greater zeal than the Angels themselves.
Anthony's attention then returned to his companions. "Must the four of you stand there like statues?" he inquired. His words finally jolted them from their reverie.
"You know, Anthony, I used to think only you could treat Apexus Mana Rankers like they were nothing; turns out I was dead wrong. It seems everyone beneath you can too," Bringer remarked, his voice laced with lingering disbelief as if he still couldn't quite process what he had witnessed.
"Honestly, at this stage, I am seriously tempted to abandon the Military and pledge my allegiance to you. I suspect the benefits would be far greater. Besides, I'm not bound by royal ties, so nothing is stopping me," Tiara declared, fixing Anthony with a gaze that was only half-joking, as if she would wholeheartedly submit to his command if he so much as entertained the idea.
Rider and Bryan remained silent, both simply sighing and removing their glasses. It was a subtle gesture, yet it conveyed their complete agreement with their friends' sentiments.
After a brief pause, Rider inquired, "May I keep one of them?"
Anthony turned his attention towards him and asked, "Are you intending to expend your wish on this matter?"
Rider contemplated for a moment before responding, "No. I will let you know when I decide to utilize my wish," he stated, his tone firm yet casual.
"Then the answer is no, you cannot keep any of them. They aren't something to be collected like Pokémon cards," Anthony replied, shaking his head and completely dismissing the idea.
Even though none of them had any clue what Pokémon cards were, they presumed it must be some sort of rare item collected only by those who had reached the Apexus Mana Rank.
"Come on, just give us one each. They don't even have to be those specific four. You possess other Planetary-level shadow soldiers; just grant us one, and we'll all share," Bringer pleaded, attempting his luck after his brother's failed attempt, his persistence unwavering.
Anthony observed him for a moment, then offered an amused smile as he shook his head, declining Bringer's request without uttering a word, his decision final.
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